Kees Smit admits transfer frustration as Real Madrid and Barcelona interest stalls

Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit has conceded he is disappointed with how his summer has unfolded, as strong interest from Europe’s biggest clubs has yet to develop into a concrete move away from AZ Alkmaar.

The 20-year-old, who has been closely monitored by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea over the past season, says he still does not know where he will be playing his football this year and has not ruled out remaining in the Eredivisie for another campaign.

Smit’s situation has been complicated by AZ Alkmaar’s valuation, with the Dutch club understood to be seeking €70m to part with one of their most highly rated players. That price tag has so far proved a significant barrier to negotiations, despite the player entrusting his future to high-profile agent Jorge Mendes.

Speaking to ESPN in the Netherlands, Smit admitted he had hoped for more decisive movement by this stage of the transfer window.

He said: “I expected more than this at this stage. The truth is that I don’t know where I will play. There is a possibility that I will leave, and there is also a possibility that I will stay, and that is the situation at the moment. And there is nothing I can add about this matter.”

World Cup omission a major blow

Smit’s disappointment this summer is not limited to the stalled transfer market. The midfielder suffered what he describes as a major setback when he was left out of the Netherlands squad for the World Cup, denying him the chance to appear at what he viewed as the most important tournament of the year.

He had hoped that a strong showing on the global stage would serve as a springboard to a major move abroad and accelerate the next step in his career. Instead, his omission has contributed to a quieter market around him than anticipated.

Reports in the Netherlands suggest that Real Madrid have opted to pursue other options to strengthen their midfield, while other leading European clubs have been reluctant to firm up their interest in Smit because of both his high asking price and his lack of World Cup involvement.

Dutch interest remains as player targets move abroad

Within the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven are reported to be continuing to monitor Smit’s situation closely. The club are understood to retain an interest should circumstances change and AZ Alkmaar soften their stance on the fee.

However, Smit is said to be holding out for a significant offer from a club outside the Netherlands, with his long-term ambition focused on establishing himself abroad rather than remaining in the Dutch league.

For now, the midfielder finds himself in limbo: a player widely scouted by Europe’s elite, represented by one of the game’s most influential agents and valued highly by his club, but still waiting for a concrete proposal that would allow him to take the next step in his career.